Using NAS server vs File Hosting service

[Asmoro]

Hi all,

According to the purpose of my project, I'm searching the best way
to just allow users up- and download their images (selfcreated)
without any hassle and legal restrictions by providers, law issues etc.

I found out that file hosting services will do the job (technically speaking),
but they (most of them) insist in the end that you will need to have a full
up and running website, if you still want to use their service. (it's understandable I think)

So another option is to use some kind of NAS server, running in your own sweet home.
Unfortunately I don't have experience regarding NAS.
It would be nice to hear some stories from 'experts' about using the NAS.

Let me hear what you think about the cons and pros, reliability, costs, bandwidth, speed,
traffic limits...anything, to decide eventually which I will prefer to use.

Thanks for now.

 

[NJDude]

If you want to host it at home, then setup your own webserver, a NAS option might be a little bit complicated for your purposes since you will need to create shares, users, rights etc.

There are tons of free webservers programs out there, but if you want to try a NAS alternative I highly recommend FreeNAS

One of the main problems of hosting at home is bandwidth, if you start getting a lot of requests your connection will slow down to a crawl.

 

[Penko]

Also, paid servers are usually monitored 24/7 and you have support. If you host at home you are on your own about reliability, connection speed, etc...

 

[Asmoro]

Thanks to both of you for the feedback,

@NJDude

One of the main problems of hosting at home is bandwidth, if you start getting a lot of requests your connection will slow down to a crawl.

What reasonable bandwith are we talking about here..for let's say a 1000 users uploading/downloading aprox. 30 or 40 kB a file a day.

In my case, bandwidth is likely the biggest issue I can't handle.
I'm afraid that my connection (around 30 a 40 Mb/s) isn't enough
to do the job.

@Penko

Also, paid servers are usually monitored 24/7 and you have support. If you host at home you are on your own about reliability, connection speed, etc..

In Europe especially the northern part, your points are extremely well covered.
If once disconnected, it's usually because of maintenance every now and then for a few hours max. (I know, I'm very spoiled)

 

[NJDude]

For that kind of work, I would stay away from hosting at home, you could search for free web hosting like this or any other, just my opinion.

 

[Asmoro]

Well NJDude,

Sounds clear to me that I have to look for a decent hosting provider
for the job in the future.

Thanks again.

 

[thedesolatesoul]

What reasonable bandwith are we talking about here..for let's say a 1000 users uploading/downloading aprox. 30 or 40 kB a file a day.

In my case, bandwidth is likely the biggest issue I can't handle.
I'm afraid that my connection (around 30 a 40 Mb/s) isn't enough
to do the job.

Worst case scenario: 1000 users downlading 40kB at the same time.
Your upstream BW needs to be 1000x40kB /sec = 320 Mbps
If you are very lucky you might have a 10 Mbps upstream connection (which I doubt).

 

[Asmoro]

Hi thedesolatesoul,

Nope, you're right cause I only have around 4 Mbps upstream.
I could take another package for this though: 120 MBit/s (download) and 10 Mbit/s (upload), but still not enough.